Hello all,
Before replying to many an existing thread, or beginning a new topic for discussion, I felt an introduction is in order, a rather long one I must admit.
I have frequented this sight numerous times (and admittedly have read for countless hours before joining), and suffice to say have enjoyed the collaboratively shared knowledge, diverse subject matter, and “feast for the eyes” that is many of the pieces, collections and stories that have been shared. I find myself digging through older threads during my research, and I thoroughly enjoy seeing newly posted material.
Many of you have shared much knowledge and experience, willingly and openly, which is just fantastic. I feel a strong resemblance in both taste and aesthetic preferences (of adornment as well as edged weapons) to @TAH, any post by @mmrogers, @Jason, @Steve or @StevesTrail has got me jotting notes down, @AC has some absolutely jaw dropping collections and pieces, and @Ziacat is always a pleasure to come across with her beautifully storied pieces and joyful writings. There are many others that are deserving of praise and appreciation, please know that it is not lost on me.
I’m looking forward to sharing the journeys and voyages I’ve undertaken in the quest for art crafted by Native hands, and the jewelry and artwork curated from these endeavors. Some of my pieces were entrusted to me by family members (who led their own ventures into cultural and spiritual diversity), although most of what I have has been gathered whilst collecting memories, from the semi-local Eiteljorg Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana to the far northwestern corner of Washington state on 2 wheels. Some very specific items I’ve been hunting for years have been purchased online, and there a few, I feel, I’ll leave this earth still searching for. While it is preferable for me to have memories attached to my jewelry and art, every once in a while something comes up for sale online that I (more than likely) wouldn’t have a chance at otherwise. I may reside in Indiana, but pieces of my heart are scattered from time spent in Alaska and the PNW to the east coast.
Monetary “value” means very little to me personally. I don’t collect to get rich, but considering my tastes lean towards work by the hands of Etsitty Tsosie, Hosteen Goodluck, Dan Simplicio, Juan De Dios, and artists whose names have been lost to time, that perceived value blossoms from an absolute rarity, and it’s decided for me, lol. My passion for the Native arts stems from it’s rich history and spirituality, in all of its forms, not just jewelry. While I do have an acute passion for concho belts, buckles, hand wrought fabrications, pieces crafted from ingot, and deeply stamped, heavyweight pieces, I am absolutely thrilled to see current day works by masters such as Perry Shorty, Aaron Anderson and the like, it’s heartwarming to say the least.
Joining this group, taking part in discussions, and learning and sharing with the rest of this fine community is the only form of social media I’ve allowed myself to tread into, and it feels a worthy one!
Regards,
Aaron
Pleased to meet you and I hope you and yours are all well!
